Dark Dart Dash

Q: For Canicross (running with your dog), what do I need to know?

How old does my dog need to be? Your dog needs to be 12 months old to take part. No in-season dogs are allowed to compete. Do I need a harness for my dog? Yes, you do. There are a variety of harnesses available to suit different breeds of dog. The harness is generally attached to a waist belt you're wearing with a bungee cord. At our events we also allow runners to have dogs on a lead attached to a harness. A collar, slip leads, choke leads or any harness which restricts movement or is designed to stop your dog pulling must not be used. My dog is not very sociable, can I still take part? Canicross can be great for nervous dogs or rescue dogs with poor recall. That said competitors are responsible for the conduct of their dog during the event and no abuse to dogs is allowed. Can I run with two dogs? We only allow one dog per runner at our events.

Question 1

When will I receive further information about the event?

Accepted Answer

The detailed race information including maps, details on parking, registration, baggage and start times will be e-mailed out to participants the Tuesday before the event. This sometimes ends up in junk mail so please keep an eye out for it! You can also find it on the relevant event page under Race Manual. See full list of events here

Question 2

How do I make changes to my booking? eg changing event, changing distance or adding a camping option?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to click the link in the confirmation email you received. There are then options to 'add items to booking', to change your booking or to transfer your entry to another person. There is an £8 admin fee to change to a different event plus any difference in price

Question 3

How environmentally friendly are you?

Accepted Answer

We’re doing our best to minimise our environmental impact. and use of single use plastics. Initiatives include encouraging people to bring their own cups, offering tree planting as an alternative to tshirts, using only reusable zip ties & giving discounts to participants who make their way to events on foot, bike or public transport. Read the Sustainability & Reducing Plastics Use article on our website for the full programme,

Question 4

Do you offer Loyalty Points?

Accepted Answer

We now have a loyalty points system at Sportiva Events to reward people who take part in lots of our events. You accrue a point for each £1 you spend on events with us. Points can be swapped for Event Gift Vouchers at any time as follows

100 points £10
150 points £20
250 points £35
350 points £50
400 points £60

We also have double points on selected events. Unless otherwise stated points are turned off two or three weeks before the event date to encourage people to enter in good time. More details here

Question 5

Will there be timing chips

Accepted Answer

Yes, we use disposable timing chips are mounted on the back of your race numbers. These need to be attached, preferably using safety pins, to the front of your body above your waist. Please do not cover them with other clothing. If you attach them to your leg or back we cannot guarantee we will be able to detect your chip and you therefore may not receive a time.

Question 6

Do I need a head torch?

Accepted Answer

For our night runs you need a suitable headtorch. Chest mounted torches are also acceptable.

Question 7

Can I wear headphones during your events?

Accepted Answer

Over ear or in ear headphones or pods are not allowed at any of our events. We do allow bone conducting type headphones, such as Shokz, at all events except triathlons, duathlons and open water swims. They should be set at a lower enough volume so you can hear instructions from marshals and the traffic around you.

Question 8

What shoes do you recommend for this event?

Accepted Answer

The route is mostly trail with some muddy and slippery sections. We strongly recommend you wear trail shoes suitable for muddy conditions.

Question 9

For Canicross (running with your dog), what do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

How old does my dog need to be?
Your dog needs to be 12 months old to take part. No in-season dogs are allowed to compete.

Do I need a harness for my dog?
Yes, you do. There are a variety of harnesses available to suit different breeds of dog. The harness is generally attached to a waist belt you're wearing with a bungee cord. At our events we also allow runners to have dogs on a lead attached to a harness. A collar, slip leads, choke leads or any harness which restricts movement or is designed to stop your dog pulling must not be used.

My dog is not very sociable, can I still take part?
Canicross can be great for nervous dogs or rescue dogs with poor recall. That said competitors are responsible for the conduct of their dog during the event and no abuse to dogs is allowed.

Can I run with two dogs?
We only allow one dog per runner at our events.

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